FAQs

*Please note the following FAQs refer only to affordable housing and not the NRAS program.

What is the difference between the BHC's affordable housing and public housing?

The main differences between affordable housing and public housing:

1. Rents – Affordable housing rents are set based on a discounted percentage (up to 74.9%) of the market rent for the property.  Public housing rents are based on a percentage of your household income.

2. Management of your tenancy – Affordable housing is managed by community housing providers, such as BHC.  Public Housing is managed directly by the Department of Communities.

What happens to my home if I earn more than the affordable housing threshold?

If your income is significantly higher than the on-going eligibility limits, you may be eligible for our NRAS accommodation, where the income eligibility limits are higher. Read more about NRAS here.

How do I apply for BHC accommodation?

BHC does not accept applications directly. If you wish to be referred to BHC for accommodation you will need to be registered with the Department of Communities Housing and Homelessness Services. They will refer your application to BHC and any other social housing organisations providing accommodation in the areas you have selected on your application. You will then be contacted to arrange an interview to assess your suitability for any vacancies that arise.

How do I register with the Department of Communities?

To be registered for affordable housing, you will need to contact your nearest Department of Communities Housing and Homelessness Services Office to arrange an appointment to discuss your eligibility and housing needs.  Department of Communities can be contacted on 1300 880 882.

What if I am already registered with the Department of Communities?

If you are already registered with the Department of Communities and your details have not been referred to BHC you will need to contact the Housing and Homelessness Services Office and request that they refer your details to BHC.

Am I eligible?

The Department of Communities determines your eligibility. Any person that has an active application with the Department of Communities is eligible for BHC affordable housing accommodation.

What effect does being housed with BHC have on my Public Housing application?

BHC provides long-term housing and as long as you continue to meet your tenancy obligations and remain eligible for on-going assistance, you can live in BHC accommodation indefinitely. For self-contained accommodation, we are required to inform the Department that you are adequately housed and they will then remove your application from the Housing and Homelessness Services Register of Need. This does not apply to BHC boarding room accommodation as these are not considered long-term housing.

Am I entitled to Commonwealth Rent Assistance?

Many tenants of BHC housing are entitled to the Commonwealth Rent Assistance payment however it is dependent on your household circumstances.  For more information refer to the Centrelink website.

Do you charge a BOND?

Yes, the bond required is equal to 4 weeks rent.  All aspects of the tenancy are compliant with the requirements of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 which is overseen by the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority.

Is there car parking available?

Car parking availability is unique to each of BHC’s properties. Many of the complexes have ample parking and some have limited parking available due to the area they are located in. Information on which locations have parking is available on the website by contacting our office click here

Are the properties suitable for children?

With exception of the boarding rooms, studios and one bedroom accommodation, BHC properties are suitable for children. Some BHC properties are specifically located and designed to cater to families. 

Can I have a pet?

BHC recognises the role of pets in contributing to the health and wellbeing of its tenants. Pets may be permitted where the property is suitable for the type of pet and there is documented evidence to confirm the pet contributes to the health and well-being of the tenant. On request, BHC will provide further information on the guidelines for keeping pets.

What types of housing do you offer?
 
BHC provides apartments and townhouse accommodation.  The sizes of these include shared accommodation, studios and 1 to 5 bedroom homes.  

Do you have units available for people with a disability?

Many of our properties include units that have increased levels of accessibility for tenants with physical disabilities.  Please contact our office for more information click here on the location and size of these units.